A Different Perspective

Firstly, a big apology for the lack of updates over the past couple of weeks. I blame it on the shock of seeing County grind out a win at Oxford United. Since that day, County had 2 successive 2-2 draws at home (against Aldershot and Accrington - on both occasions recovering from 2-0 deficits). County being County however, they then went on to lose the next 2 games (away at Burton and Gillingham) 2-1. Once again, gifting the opposition 2 goal starts before coming back. The latter result (vs. Gillingham) was the weekend of my birthday, so the result wasn't one of the greatest of presents I've ever had.

This weekend saw Barnet make the long trip northwest for what was already being marked as an early season "6 pointer". Barnet have had an awful start to the season (losing 7-0 at Crewe being the lowest of several lowpoints) and occupy the second relegation spot in League 2. County were only 2 points (and 5 places) above Barnet, and the combination of poor recent form and no home win this season was starting to see the pressure mount. In fact, County haven't won at home for 24 games (7 months) and I personally hadn't seen a home win since late 2008!

On my way up to the match, it suddenly struck me that Barnet are the opponents I've seen face County the most times (5 including this meeting). Once again, I've yet to see County beat Barnet, and the last (and only) previous encounter I'd seen at Edgeley was a chastening 4-2 defeat (also around my birthday). So, you can probably understand my trepidation as I boarded the train from Birmingham to Stockport. Once again, arrival at Stockport meant a quick dash to the market - this time with an additional order (from Mum) for some Cheshire - before heading up to the ground.

For this game, I decided to move away from the traditional ritual and try something new. So, instead of taking my place in the Cheadle End, I thought I'd give the Main Stand a try. It's not too bad, a fairly shallow rake, padded seats and with the exception of the odd pillar, a decent view of the pitch. It also puts you within perfect earshot of both home and away dugouts (always good for a chuckle).

As the teams came out onto the (still green) Edgeley Park pitch, hope started to rise that today might just be the day when the poor home run would end. Within 5 minutes of the start however, that hope was firmly replaced by the "Here we go again" feeling so typical of recent home games. Stockport were awful, and Barnet - despite being on top - were not much better themselves. I'm seriously struggling to think of a major incident in that first 45 minutes - if you thought it was bad at Oxford, this was worse, much worse. As if to wake us up in time for a half time drink, Barnet managed to miss an open goal from pretty much on the line. Surely the second half would be better?

It was. Only it wasn't easy (is it ever when County ar involved?). Barely 30 seconds into the half, Barnet took the lead after some frankly rubbish defending. Stil feeling slightly dozy after the first half "exertions", the County defence allowed the Barnet forward all the time he needed to guide the ball home. The Barnet bench went wild, the players went wild, so did the 92 away fans scattered behind the goal. Everyone else just rolled their eyes and wondered just what had they let themselves in for.

As has been a common theme of recent County games, going a goal behind seemed to wake County up; suddenly there was a lot more energy and drive about the players. Where a sideways or backwards pass had been played in the first half, players were looking to get the ball forwards. Ultimately the breakthrough came courtesy of that man Donnelly. Receiving a throw deep in the Barnet half, he made his way to the edge of the area and with nothing else on, unleashed a piledriver of a shot. This beat the keeper, hit the near post, span towards the far post and then trickled into the net. Another comeback goal, and another opportunity for the "Sign him up" chat to start.

This visibly lifted the team and fans, and County started to exert themselves a little bit more. Debutant Fletcher almost scored from a Assoumani cross, while Anthony Pulis tried in vain with several efforts from the edge of the area; all just lacking that bit of pace or placement to beat the Barnet goalie.

To freshen things up, Jake Simpson and Adam Griffin were replaced by Cameron Darkwah (making his 1st team debut) and Danny Rowe. Within 5 minutes, something rare happened - County went ahead at home! Antony Pulis' cross from the right was met by a crowd of players, with Robbie Williams on hand to stab the ball home (albeit at the third attempt). Williams promptly disappeared under a mound of teammates, while supporters finally dared to dream- could it really be about to happen?

Barnet, to their credit tried to get back level, but were caught on the counter when Donnelly muscled past the last defender and smashed the ball home. However it wasn't to be, the referee ruling the goal out for an earlier foul. In the end it didn't matter, the final whistle being met by a cheer more in keeping with a win to seal promotion. For the first time in 7 months, County had a home win to celebrate. It wasn't pretty, but it was well worth the wait.

Overall, I was really impressed with Assoumani (named MoM), Fletcher, and - of course - Donnelly. Quite frankly without his goals, County would be in deep trouble and it's fair to say they could face a fight to keep him once the loan period expires in January. Assoumani was superb - wining most of the challenges he had to make, and displaying some fantastic close control to win a corner from a seemingly lost cause. His cross for Fletcher was excellent - and Flecther himself certainly looks a better prospect than Proctor ever did (you would never have really known he only joined on Friday). Darkwah also belied his age, snapping into challenges and always looking for a positive run. He could be another one from the Cunty production line to make a first team impact.

This match marked the start of a run of games against teams currently below County in the table, and a golden opportunity to move clear of the relegation dogfight. saying that, County are one of several teams on 14 points, just 4 off a place in the play-offs. A run of results like that in September could be really useful now, however a second supply of goals could do with being found - our over reliance on Donnelly is worrying; one over-zealous challenge from a defender could leave a long, hard winter ahead.

But let's leave the worries for another day. Today is about celebrating a long overdue home win. Let's just hope we don't have to wait quite as long for the next one....

County Line up:
Glennon, Lynch, Williams, Swailes, Assoumani, Turnbull, Pulis, Simpson (Darkwah 60), Griffin (Rowe 78), Donnelly, Fletcher
Subs: Fon Williams, Tansey, Conlon, Rowe, Fisher, Darkwah

Goals: Donnelly (52), Williams (79)
Attendance: 4,177 (Away fans: 92).

Hope springs eternal

Ok. So the blue skies didn't last long. After a quick dash into town (Carol's Cheeses for the latest batch of Cheshire & Stilton), it was a dash to avoid the downpour. Sadly I failed, arriving at Edgeley Park feeling (and looking) rather soggy.
Thus far, the biggest cheer of the day has greeted the sight of Alex Ferguson after Everton's 2 injury time goals snatch a draw from the jaws of United victory. For once there is a buzz in the stadium, and not just because of the fate befalling the red side of Manchester. Even the flags are back in the Cheadle End! Just goes to show the effect a win can have on supporters as well as players.



What's nice is that there is a decent crowd today (4277), with a fair number from Bradford. Throughout the game there has been a bit of noise around Edgeley Park, the first time in a long time that that has happened.

Sadly, we've only got a point from the game, when a little bit of composure (at both ends) would - and probably should - have seen another 3 points in the bag. Sadly, Bradford easily weathered the County pressure (if not the torrential downpour), and took the lead just after half time. A hopeful long ball caught the County defence at sea. A slip by the to this point solid Assoumani saw the Bradford player clean through on goal. One square ball across the 6 yard box later, Bradford were 1-0 up against the run of play. Cue wild celebrations in the rain for those in amber & claret; rueful shakes of the head for those in blue & white.



However, County - rather than buckling - pressed for the equaliser. Donnelly, Proctor ( who to be fair did well when replacing the woeful Conlon), Vincent & Tansey all had efforts either charged down or narrowly wide. As time wore on and County's final ball became slightly more desperate, the breakthrough came. A brilliant short corner caught Bradford out, and Griffin's pinpoint cross enabled Donnelly to bundle the ball home. A deserved equaliser and more to the point, the first goal at home for a long time.

After that point, Bradford seemed to settle for the point while a bouyant County pressed for a winner. Again, a frustrating lack of movement and poor final ball tended to end promising moves.

For once, County recovered from going a goal down and showed real character. It helped that the crowd - although frustrated by the slow final ball - kept behind the team. Assoumani made a single mistake in the whole match and got punished, but didn't let that get to him. Vincent was excellent in the "defensive midfield" role and rightly won man of the match. The only disappointment was Conlon: his substitution was greeted by cheers such was his obvious lack of effort.

On the train home I'm encouraged by the performance, if a bit disappointed over the final result. At least I can now say I've seen a goal for County at Edgeley; just need that elusive win now...




-- Post From My iPhone

Rain, rain, go away!

This doesn't look terribly promising. I'm just south of Macclesfield on the train to Stockport and the heavens have opened. What's worse, the wind direction looks like it's blowing from the east: in other words, straight into the faces of those in the Cheadle End (i.e., me). Mind you, the away fans won't fare much better, at least the home fans have a roof!

Speaking of away fans, today should see a sizeable following from our cross-Pennine opponents Bradford.

Bradford have so far failed to live up to the billing of pre-season promotion favourites. Mind you, they've failed to love up to that billing for a few years now. Just goes to prove that gates of 10,000 don't necessarily equate to success. So far they've struggled to get results, and could probably do with a win today to kick start the season.

County on the other hand are looking to win successive games for the first time in, well, a very long time.

So it could be a tense affair. Or it could follow the trend of previous matches against Bradford in being a thriller (if not necessarily high scoring). Either way, County need a result to build on last weeks defeat of Macclesfield, so I'll stick my neck out and say home win. As I say this, here comes the Sun; must be an omen!



-- Post From My iPhone

Miracle at Moss Rose

Yyyyyyeeeeesssss!!

Finally after 6 months of waiting, County fans can finally celebrate a win. The performance wasn't necessarily great and Macclesfield were terrible, but a win is a win, especially against your local rivals.
Paul Simpson made a brave decision by giving Matt Glennon his debut in place of OFW, and brought Matt Mainwaring (now recovered from his horrific broken leg) into the midfield alongside Tansey, Turnbull and Vincent. Fellow new signing Josh Simpson started on the bench.
Once again, details on the match are fairly sketchy (neither the BBC nor Sky deemed the game important enough for extensive coverage) so the first I was aware of any excitement was just before half time. George Donnelly - who up until this point is the only player to score for us this season - picked the ball up wide on the left, cut inside (beating 4 Macclesfield defenders in the process) and hit a low shot into the far corner. Cue mass celebration amongst the massed County supporters behind the goal.
Early in the second half, Glennon made an instant bid for hero status amongst the fans. Normally the award of a rather dubious penalty (following a 'foul' by Assoumani) against County leads to inevitable capitulation. On this occasion however, Glennon saved the (admittedly terrible) penalty to preserve County's slender lead. Furthermore, the next goal was scored by County (at the right end thankfully); Assoumani lashing the ball home from 6 yards out following a Griffin free kick. 2-0 to County, when was the last time that happened?
Despite some rather nervous moments (and woeful finishing from the Macclesfield forwards), the final whistle finally blew to confirm the first 3 point haul for the season. What's more, the spectre of a 19 game winless run had been ended, lifting County to the heady heights of 16th in League 2.

If I was being harsh, I'd be worried Donnelly is our only real goal threat; that the midfield still looks as tough as a limp lettuce; or that a hint of accuracy from Macclesfield would have converted some of the many chances they created. But that would be wrong: a win is a win no matter how it comes, and it's about time County had one to celebrate. The hard part now is building on it: we can't afford to wait another 6 months for the next one!

-- Post From My iPhone

Derby Day

SCFC vs. Macclesfield Town
Moss Rose, 3pm

Today is one of those dates most keenly looked for in the footballing calendar; a meeting with a local rival. In this case, County make the relatively short trip to Macclesfield for a game that bears more significance than who has the local bragging rights.

Almost 4 years ago, County were well and truly demolished 6-0 in this fixture, leaving us rock bottom of League 2 and staring non-league football in the face. What happened afterwards is a tale of returning heroes, epic last day survival, record breaking runs (for the right reasons) and eventually, promotion. We've since paid the price for that high, and now return to Moss Rose once again occupying one of the relegation spots (yes, I know there have only been 4 games played).

This is one of those games we have to win. Not only would the 3 points be very welcome, but also as a means of exorcising the ghosts of that 6-0 defeat. It would also help erase another painful memory for County fans. Unable to play an FA Cup tie at Edgeley Park due to pitch conditions last year, we ended up playing "at home" to Torquay at Moss Rose. As if playing a home tie on someone else's ground wasn't bad enough, we lost 4-0 to a side near the bottom of League 2 (ok, we were bottom of League 1 at the time, but that really was unacceptable).

What is quite positive today is that we have 3 (yes, three) new signings eligible to play. Robbie Williams I've mentioned previously, while yesterday, goalie Matt Glennon and midfielder Josh Simpson were signed up. For a long time we've been without decent cover for OFW in goal, and Simpson - despite being so young- does seem to have a bit more experience about him than our current midfielders. Hopefully they will have a positive impact both in terms of results and team morale.

I'm quietly confident today that we can get something from the game. Last weeks non-performance obviously hurt everyone, and I suspect nothing less than a whole hearted, battling performance will be accepted by Paul Simpson or the fans. Lets face it, if you can't motivate yourself for a derby game, there really is no hope. If we can get that, we certainly stand a decent chance of gaining that elusive first win.

-- Post From My iPhone

Same old feeling

Well, it's not the Tuesday after the Saturday before, and I'm only now getting to full terms with the Shrewsbury horror show. Again, having not been to the game it's incredibly hard to write a justified opinion, but from what I've seen of the goals and the reports, County were quite simply, awful. The whole performance was summed up by Shrewsbury's second goal - a woeful back pass from midfield, a feeble (if that) attempt to beat the Shrewsbury forward to the ball, a lack of determination to make up for the mistake (Swailes, on both occasions) and a less than convincing effort to save the final shot - all resulted in a gift of a goal to (admittedly) superior opponents.

I mentioned previously about some players needing a big performance to win over the County faithful. Suffice to say that the impressions made by some players were certainly far from positive. Swailes by all accounts had an appalling day (new dad syndrome?); Assoumani - up to now a solid looking defender,simply wasn't at the races;  Lynch struggled, the midfield was once again over-run (despite the extra man) and no support whatsoever was given to Donnelly up front. Conlon when he came on was anonymous, while the less said about Proctor the better.  

In the end it was 4-0 and in the words of one wag, County were probably lucky to get nil. Paul Simpson summed it up perfectly in his post-match interview - defending that would shame a Sunday League team coupled with a chronic lack of confidence is really hurting the team (and supporters) at the moment. Quite simply, at the moment, County have to score first to stand a chance of getting something out of any game. The problem is however, scoring that goal....

There has however been a slightly more positive development today (Tuesday). Although it's never nice to see people leave (unless their name is Jamie Proctor), County have announced that Gianluca Havern, Sam Hare and Ritchie Partridge have left the club by mutual consent. To be fair, none of them really made that much of an impact - Havern & Hare as youngsters never really broke into the first team picture, while Partridge simply didn't make any impact - a pretty damning statement for a senior player in an otherwise inexperienced squad. What probably also didn't help was his rumoured wages - one of the top earners at the club thanks to the Administrators offering him a new contract over the summer without the consent of the new owners or manager.

So how is 3 players leaving good news? Well for starers it give Simpson a bit more of the wage structure to play with; so much so that Robbie Williams (the footballer) has been signed up permanently. When fit - Williams is a excellent player, and his presence can only be of benefit to the team (he hasn't lost yet in a County shirt - mind you, he hasn't won either). It also means Simpson can look elsewhere - loans, free-agents - to try and bolster a squad crying out for additional bodies. If they happen to be a tough tackling midfielder, all the better.....

Taming of the Shrews?

Firstly, apologies for the lack of a post last week. Being in the North East for the weekend, I watched (via the BBC) as Stockport fell 3-1 at Stevenage; a disappointing result and a missed opportunity to continue the unbeaten run. Saying that, 2 of Stevenages' goals were real belters, and the third was, shall we say, a bit iffy - when they go in you really know it's not going to be your day. About the only good thing that seemed to come out of the trip was another goal for Donnelly. It may be early in the season, but I dread to think what would happen if he gets injured any time soon.

This weekend it's another of the anticipated big guns of League 2 - Shrewsbury Town - who make the (relatively) short trip to Edgeley Park. Shrewsbury are unbeaten in the League so far this season, and come into the game having narrowly lost away to Stoke City in the League Cup. They also come with an expectation that they will be up amongst the promotion contenders at the end of the season. Once again, there is a touch of additional spice to the match; Shrewsbury are another of Paul Simpson's former teams.

The big question for County supporters is which version of their team will turn up? If it's the side that came so close to beating Wycombe then there is a real chance of 3 points. However if it's the side that turned up for Stevenage last weekend, the story may be markedly different.

The key - as always - appears to lie within the midfield. Questions are still being asked about the Tansey-Turnbull partnership in the middle (who is the ball winner and who is the creator?), while the on-loan Proctor could do with a decent performance to win over those fans not exactly enamoured with his (thus far) selfish and lacklustre displays. Furthermore, do you go for the adventurous-but-raw Danny Pilkington or the solid-if-unspectacular David Poole on the right? Either way, support is needed for the blossoming Conlon-Donnelly partnership - given the right service, these two could score plenty of goals.

My gut feeling at the moment is that the Shrews may have a bit too much for a still bedding-in County. A win would be fantastic, so would a draw if I was being honest; but I just think we may be waiting another week before celebrating 3 points.